Lepidopterous Insect Counts

Systems Agronomic and Economic Evaluation of Transgenic and

Conventional Varieties in the Texas High Plains

February, 2001

Dr. Randy Boman, Extension Agronomist-Cotton

Mr. Mark Kelley, Extension Assistant-Cotton

Mr. Alan Helm, Extension Assistant-Cotton

Texas Agricultural Extension Service

Lubbock, TX

Lepidopterous Insect Counts

These counts were conducted by IPM agents at the respective locations (Johnna Patterson and Cherinell Riley at Muleshoe, Scott Russell at Tokio, and Phillip Kidd at Ralls). Plants from all three replications of Paymaster 2200RR and 2280BG/RR were sampled. A total of 5-20 plants per plot were sampled on each date and bollworm and beet armyworm data were collected. Data from the Ralls location were inadvertently discarded by the secretary in the Crosby County office when Kidd left Extension. Considerable variability existed among these observations at both remaining locations. Muleshoe counts were conducted on August 9 and 29, and September 6 and 12. No significant differences were noted for bollworm or beet armyworm counts at that site. No discernable trends in the data were noted. Data from the Tokio site were collected on July 12, 19, 26, and on August 2. No significant differences in bollworm or beet armyworm counts were detected. However, the Paymaster 2280BG/RR tended to have lower larvae counts than Paymaster 2200RR for both insect species across all sampling dates. Dr. Scott Armstrong monitored plots at Denver City and Halfway as part of a TSSC project on which we were cooperating.

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